How to Remove Any Skin Tag
Skin tags are small growths that hang off your skin. Although they are common, they are harmless and do not usually cause pain or discomfort. You should never attempt to remove skin tags on your own in an unsafe way because they could bleed heavily, especially if they are large.
However, there are safe and gentle ways for them to be removed.
What do skin tags look like?
Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored growths on your skin. They can vary in color and size. Skin tags are usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.
They can look like warts, but skin tags are usually:
- smooth and soft (warts tend to be rougher with an irregular surface)
- knobbly and hang off the skin (warts are usually slightly raised or flat)
- not contagious (warts spread very quickly, so a sudden outbreak or cluster of growths is more likely to be warts)
H-Skin Tags formula is 100% natural and painlessly removes any skin tag
Why do skin tags occur?
Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Collagen is a type of protein found throughout the body. While both males and females can develop skin tags, they are more common in older people and those who are overweight, obese or have type 2 diabetes.
A change in hormone levels can mean pregnant women may also be more likely to develop skin tags. Some people develop skin tags for no apparent reason.
Skin tags tend to grow in the skin folds, where the skin rubs against itself, such as on the neck, armpits, or groin making it more likely to affect overweight people with excess folds of skin and skin chafing.
When can skin tags be a problem?
Skin tags are benign growths that appear on the skin and are usually harmless and do not cause any problems. However, in some cases, skin tags can be a problem, such as:
- If the skin tag is located in an area that is easily irritated or caught on clothing or jewelry, it can become painful or bleed.
- If the skin tag is large or multiple, it can be aesthetically unappealing and cause self-consciousness.
- If the skin tag is located in a sensitive area, such as the face or genitals, it can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment.
- It can be uncomfortable and cause frustration if the skin tag is itchy.
- Bleeding or pain can be a sign of malignancy and should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
How can skin tags be removed?
There are several ways to remove skin tags, and the method chosen will depend on the size, location, and number of skin tags present. It's best to consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Some of the standard skin tag removal methods include:
- Surgical excision: a procedure where a dermatologist or other medical professional uses a scalpel or scissors to cut off the skin tag. It will require local anesthetic and risk minor bleeding.
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Ligation: a procedure where a dermatologist or other medical professional uses a small thread or suture to tie off the base of the skin tag, cutting off the blood supply and causing it to dry up and fall off within a few days to a week.
- Cryotherapy: a procedure where liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin tag, causing it to freeze and fall off, similar to how warts are removed.
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Electrocautery: a procedure where an electrical current is used to burn off the skin tag.
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Over-counter creams or ointment: products that can be applied topically claim to remove skin tags by drying the tag or causing it to fall off.
- FDA-listed topical skin tag formula - The safest and most gentle way to remove skin tags naturally, the formula is designed to work quickly and effectively with no pain or scarring.
It's imperative to speak to a healthcare professional before making any decisions. A dermatologist can identify the skin condition, determine the best method of removal for each case, and ensure that the growth is not another skin condition.
Sources
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Skin Tags. https://www.aocd.org/page/SkinTags
Maluki, A. H., & Abdullah, A. A. (2016, February). Metabolic associations with skin tags. International Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research, 2(1), 003-011 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296666477_Metabolic_Associations_with_Skin_Tags
Manchanda, Yashpal. "Removal of skin tags with Erbium:YAG Laser: A simple, safe, quick, and effective technique requiring no local anesthesia." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 79.3: Suppl 1 Sept. 2018: AB244.
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.